Can anti-depressants cause anxiety to come back?

Mag1207 · Post by **Mag1207** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:37 am

I currently take Ativan as an emergency med for my anxiety. I also have been prescribed Paxil to use but have not needed it in a long long time. I have moved up to the point where I could deal with my body symptoms and overcome my anxiety episodes. Of course, there were days I needed an ativan at work to regain my mental and physical composure in order to complete my work. I didn't need to take ativan too often. Recently, I thought I should take the Paxil as I recently moved, got married, more stress at work, etc. Last Saturday I experienced a HUGE panic attack and I have not had one since my first one 3 or 4 years ago. Now I'm having them daily, 5-7 in a day, after Saturday I am popping my ativan and paxil, but I seem to get worse with the paxil. I have taken ativan as needed and sparingly .5 mg every once or maybe twice a month if that much. Is it all in my head or can the Paxil be an on switch to my anxiety/panic again? My heart beats at a fast rate and i feel it up in my chest and after 2 mg. of ativan it barely goes down and I fall asleep only to wake up this morning with a racing heart again. (note: I have not completely finished the program but am starting once again, but with the information I did gain from it, it helped trememdously to overcome it before)

Stop living in rewind and push play

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:08 am

Hi,

I was taking Paxil for 2 years and yes it can increase anxiety in some people and you should let your doctor know about this reaction...or call your pharmacist and talk to him/her. We really need to know what to expect from meds we are given. Most likely this will calm down after the first 4-6 weeks of use but better to cautious and well informed when it comes to using any meds.Just my 2 cents worth.

Good Luck,

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:09 am

Hello!I tried paxil when I first started having anxiety.It made me have a severe panic attack and feel sick.I quit taking it and it took several days for these feelings to go away so I do believe that for me it was the med.I've tried several other antidepressants and I'm just to sensitive to them.I'm taking xanax now and seem to be able to tolerate it.I still feel the anxiety and have panic attacks but I figure that this part is what I have to learn and use the skills.Hope this helps.Take care!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:19 am

Hi Maggie. Yes, antidepressants can cause anxiety symptoms. If you read the side effects of most antidepressants you'll find: nevousness, dizziness, heart palpitations, and other anxiety symptoms. Therefore, you may think your anxiety is getting worse, but it may just be the side effects of the drugs.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 4:26 am

This happen to me on antidepressants also. However, everyone is so different I hesitate to say that....However, your symptoms are exactly like the ones I had on two different medications. My body is just extremely sensitive to antidepressants so, I choose not to take them.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 4:45 am

I have friends who have been on Paxil for years and say that they cannot exist without it. Ther are some side effects but in their case it is minimal. I have children who went on Paxil and for the first time in their lives became suicidal. The range of reactions is from one extreme to another as you can see. It is always better to find a means of dealing with stress that has not negative effects on the body as soon as possible. In the meantime to break the anxiety cycle is very important and if you need a crutch it can, if chosen wisely, gifve you that moment in time to gather yourself while you search and find the means of healing your innerself instead of controlling symptoms. Please, however, make sure that the drug you do take if this is your choice does not cause these symptoms as it is a dangerous situation when you are experiencing these severe kind of side effects. YOu will find one if you listen to your inner voice guide you. Don't settle! You are worth the best that there is for you. Do all you can do and watch how life showers you with all that you need to be peaceful and filled with joy. I know that you can be healed of this lack of peace. I have been and Lucinda's program is another part of your journey. Be diligent and repeat it over and over until you have unlearned your negative emotional responses and learned a new way to approach life and all that has brought you to this point. It is indeed a new starting point, a vector to peace and joy and sharing the good news with others. Remember when you are healed and you will be to reach back and bring someone along with you that is where you will find the most peace of all. That was yesterday , this is today ..... and what a glorious tomorrow you will live!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 2:19 am

Thank you all for your comments and advice. I really think Paxil caused my panic attacks. I've called my doctor and left a message to be changed back to lexapro, and yes, this is taking my body a couple of days to readjust now that i've been off of it and only using ativan in the meantime. My problem is now getting rid of the my nervousness and anxiety in the morning

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 8:29 am

i HATE paxil and celexa i think it was called. Celexa made me sick right away. Was terrified to try another anti depressant but i gave it a shot and took paxil. I was up for maybe a hour after taking it and felt fine. Went to sleep then woke up in a mad cold sweat doozy of a spontaneous panic attack. Never touched it again. Now I take the anti anxiety med clonazepam.